Student mentoring is defined as a one-to-one relationship between a youth and an adult that occurs over a prolonged period of time. The mentor provides consistent support, guidance, and concrete help to a student who is in need of a positive role model. Students involved in the mentoring program may be going through a difficult and/or challenging situation, a period of life in which they need extra support, or they may simply need to have another significant adult present in their life. The goal of student mentoring is to help students involved in the mentoring program to gain the skills and confidence to be responsible for their own futures.

Who can be a student mentor?

An adult interested in becoming a student mentor must be someone who will be a positive influence in a child’s life. The most crucial role for a student mentor is to be an adult who has time for a child, who cares about that child, who believes in that child, and is committed to a long term relationship with the child. It is very important to know that the relationship between the mentor and the student may be the ONLY stability the child knows, and the only time anyone spends quality time with the child. Therefore, the district asks that a student mentor spend a minimum of one hour every other week with their child.

What are the characteristics of a good Student Mentor? A "Good Mentor" is someone who:

·Engages in a positive relationship with the child.

·Gives attention to the child.

·Has a positive self-esteem about him/her.

·Reacts well to stressful situations.

·Tolerates frustrating situations.

·Listens well.

·Communicates on a level that the child can understand.

·Is stable.

·Provides leadership.

·Is a positive role model.

·Does not engage in alcohol or drug abuse.

·Meets regularly with the mentee

·Shows up on time for sessions.

·Cares about helping a needy child.

·Is not a judgmental person.

·Is committed.

·Nurtures a relationship that respects the child’s dignity.

·Accepts responsibilities.

·Reinforces student’s success

What should the Student Mentor NOT expect to do?

The Mentor should not expect to:

·Replace the role of a parent/guardian.

·Expect dramatic changes in attitude, self-esteem or attendance quickly. Mentor is a process that takes time!

·Provide solutions to all the issues facing student.

·Break the trust they have established, unless it is life threatening to the student.

What are the benefits of a Student Mentor Program?

Students benefit by:

·Receiving the support and guidance of a caring adult.

·Receiving assistance with academic endeavours.

·Experiencing greater self-esteem and motivation to succeed.

·Receiving encouragement to avoid the use of drugs and alcohol.

·Improving interpersonal relationships, such as with teachers and family.

·Receiving assistance in choosing a career path.

COUNSELLING AND DISCIPLINE

Malpi International School recognizes the importance of pastoral care in the education of its students, thus it stresses on the importance of proper pastoral care. It aims promote individual students social, emotional and physical well-being and at the same time supporting their academic growth.

In order to cope with and support their students through difficulties, the School provides counselling services in a variety of ways through:

·The first support for a student is his/her Graderoom Teacher (GRT). The GRT works closely with the student in all aspects of the students’ development, i.e. academics as well as their social, emotion and physical wellbeing. The GRT’s should constantly monitor the growth of the student in all aspects. Sharing, discussions, problem solving or ‘just lending a ear’, are a few ways through with the GRT’s help their students.

·The Residence In-charges (RIC) also play a vital role in the development of each child under their care. They provide full-time support to students in their respective Residences. The RI’s also take on a similar role of a mother or a father at home. They liaise with different subject teachers and GRT’s, enquiring about the welfare of the child, his/her academic progress as well as the child’s behavioural patterns.

·The student Mentor Programme provides consistent guidance, support and concrete help to a student who is in need of a positive role model. Students involved in the mentoring programme may be going through a difficulty or challenging situation, a period in life in which they need extra support.

·The School Counsellor (SC) is available at all times for counselling of students. The SC works in concert with the Principal and the rest of the faculty. The SC helps students and the faculty by identifying the drawbacks, problems or disability of the student.